The upcoming November elections in rural Perry County, Missouri, are characterized by an absence of choice for voters. With only one candidate running in each of the 17 down-ballot races, the Republican Party dominates uncontested races, reflecting the strong Republican presence in the area. This trend is not unique to Perry County, as many areas across the country experience a similar lack of competition in partisan offices. The absence of opposition in elections has significant implications, including lower voter turnout and the enactment of one-sided policies. Furthermore, uncontested races are not limited to local offices, with instances of uncontested races in state supreme courts and county district attorney races. The Democratic Party's failure to contest a significant number of offices is particularly striking, with various factors contributing to this trend, including the influence of gerrymandering and the shifting political landscape in rural areas. Efforts to address the lack of competition include initiatives to recruit Democratic candidates in areas where the party has a limited presence. Despite the challenges, some success has been achieved in reshaping the political terrain by encouraging local Democratic candidates to run for office. Overall, the trend of uncontested races underscores the difficulties faced by both parties in maintaining a strong presence in rural areas and the importance of contesting every race to reclaim lost ground. Efforts to recruit and finance rural Democratic candidates are underway in an attempt to reshape the political landscape and empower voters with more choices on the ballot. Initiatives such as using yard signs and billboards aim to connect like-minded voters and demonstrate the presence of Democratic supporters in rural areas.